Narrative:The KC-135 transport plane was en route from U-Tapao, Thailand and Guam to Loring AFB, ME with en route stops at Honolulu-Hickam AFB, HI (HIK) and California. Over the Pacific Ocean the airplane developed engine problems. They crew decided to divert to Wake Island Airport (AWK). On final approach the airplane contacted the surface of the water and bounced onto the east end of the runway. It struck ILS aerials and burst into flames.
Passengers were 509th Bomb Wing personnel returning from duty in Thailand.
Sources:
» The Miami News - Sep 24, 1968
» Lodi News-Sentinel - Sep 24, 1968
Photos
accident date:
24-09-1968type: Boeing KC-135A-BN Stratotanker
registration: 55-3133
accident date:
24-09-1968type: Boeing KC-135A-BN Stratotanker
registration: 55-3133
accident date:
24-09-1968type: Boeing KC-135A-BN Stratotanker
registration: 55-3133
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does
not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Guam-Andersen AFB to Honolulu-Hickam AFB, HI as the crow flies is 6059 km (3787 miles).
Accident location: Exact; deduced from official accident report.
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.